The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-08
WILDER'S FAMOUS BRIGADE
The Veterans Capture Greencastle and
Are Now in Undisputed Possession.
Auspicious Beginning of Reunion That
Promises to Swell to Proportions Greater
than Those of Any Former Meeting.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
GREENcAsrLE, Ind. Sept. Wilder and his
famous brigade have captured Greencastls. The
stars and stripes float from every spire and the
majority of the business houses and dwellings Of
this city gayly decorated in honor of the tact
that Greencastle is occupied by one of the brav-
est and most famous brigades that helped stamp
treason and slavery from out this free country
Members of the brigade and other visitors began
arriving yesterday, and By evening the hotels
were filed The camp IN University Park
was opened, and over five hundred vet
Grams found accommodation there last night,
bunking in tents in genuine army style. This
morning opened bright. and gave promise of a
glorious day. At 10 o'clock the various regi-
ments formed in line the square, and headed
by Greencastle Post, No. IL, G. A. r, marched
to the camp in University Park On arriving
at the camp the brigade broke ranks. and, after
registering by regiments. went at the business
of shaking hands aud hunting up old comrades
A more jolly. good-natured crowd of men were
never assembled, and after separation of twen-
ty-two years. old mountaineering were re-
newed with a genuine affection.
A great crowd. hot and dusty, but good ma
tured and ready to cheer every sentiment Of
loyalty, assembled in the camp this afternoon.
After music by splendid glee-club from Tusco-
la. ILL.,, Hon. w. E. Starr, president of the day.
introduced Mayor Jos. McClary, who, on behalf
of the citizens of Greencastle delivered the ad-
dress of welcome In short forcible speech
Mayor McCIary spoke of the many obligations
due the old veterans. and rendered General
Wilder and his command the freedom of the
city. The response to the address of welcome
was made by Gen. John T. Wilder,
of Chattanooga, Tenn, ex-commander of the
brigade General Wilder is a man of command
ing appearance, and, though not especially
gifted orator. every word he uttered was
eagerly taken in by the members of his old
command. After speaking of the pleasure it
gave him to once more meet his comrades, Gen.
Wilder spoke of tho many results the veterans
had achieved. He said he lived in place and
time made possible for loyal man and Repub-
ican to live by the sacrifice of many thousands
of loyal lives. He spoke of the valor of his own
command, which was always ready to go to the
'front.' and said he could muster more men for a
fight than for pay day. He also spoke of the
great change being wrought in the Southern
people. and OF the respect they hold for out
spoken, loyal men.
Following General Wilder Maj. Jno G. Dun
bar delivered an address of welcome on behalf Of
Greencastle Post, No. H. G. A. r. Major Dun
bar is an excellent orator, and his remarks
was responded to by Maj. j. A Connolly, of the
One hundred and-twenty-second Illinois regi-
ment Mr. Connolly interrupted during
his sketch of war times by the arrival of $50
members of the brigade from the North, and for
some time the enthusiasm of the veterans knew
no bounds Old army songs, such as marching
Through Georgia" and John Browns Body"
seemed to be the order of the day.
The programme tonight was immense
camp fire. which is tho main feature of the re-
union. The old regimental flags, batte-scarred
and aged together with several captured con-
federate flags secured by General Wilder in In
danapolis his way to the reunion, add
greatly to the enjoyment of the occasion.
Two large excursion trains from Illinois and
one from southern Indiana are expected to
swell the number of visitors tomorrow to about
IL 600.